What The Media Say

Douglas has been very fortunate to have been complimented a number of times in the media and leading legal directories.

• The Times/The Law Society
• Chambers & Partners Guide to the Legal Profession
• The Legal 500

THE TIMES - 'LAWYER OF THE WEEK'/THE LAW SOCIETY - 'SOLICITOR OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE PRACTICE)'

Previously, Douglas was named as 'Lawyer of the Week' in The Times at the end of 1999 in relation to the case of R v A Juror (Jeffrey McWhinney) where he acted on behalf of the first profoundly deaf Chief Executive of the British Deaf Association in a high profile test case to establish the right of deaf people to serve as jurors.

Recently, in October 2011, Douglas was also shortlisted by the Law Society for it's prestigious 'Solicitor of the Year (Private Practice)' award where it was said:

‘Douglas helps parents of children with special educational needs and provides free information to help people themselves through his website.  Douglas is disabled and has a rare and progressive neurological condition called Cerebellar Ataxia so has overcome personal adversity to practice as a solicitor.’

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CHAMBERS & PARTNERS' GUIDE TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Douglas is listed as an expert in Education law bythe Chambers and Partners' Guide to the Legal Profession in which he has now been included in each edition since 2000.

He was first listed as an 'Up and Coming' expert in Administrative and Public Law in the 2000/01 and 2001/02 editions where he was said to be:

"specially noted for his track record in a number of education and care driven judicial reviews".

In the 2002/03 edition of Chambers, Douglas was listed as an expert in Education and said to be:

"rated by the foremost practitioners in education as a "bright young man" and "one to watch."

In the 2003/04 edition Douglas moved up to the 2nd tier of experts and it was noted that he:

"continues to make excellent progress at Alexander Harris, where he has established a nationwide practice advising individuals on all contentious issues, in particular special educational needs."

In the 2004/5 edition of Chambers, praise was more forthcoming with them recording that:

"The success of this "dynamic" team with its "hands on approach" is widely viewed as testament to its leader Douglas Silas. According to interviewees, the developing team is "well informed and enthusiastic about education." In particular, it is hailed for its expertise at "combining good technical knowledge of the law with a broader perspective of disability issues."

Clients claim that the team "knows all about the relevant politics and considerations." "Sound, conscientious" team leader Douglas Silas is praised by market sources for his client-focus, particularly in the field of disability discrimination. He is "completely on top of all the case law" and possesses "a real commitment to children receiving the right provision."

In the 2005/06 edition, after having set up in sole practice, Chambers and Partners stated that:

"Having left Alexander Harris, Douglas Silas established a practice specialising in all areas of disability and public law. He is especially involved in cases concerning special educational needs and disability discrimination, and has worked on some of the leading cases in the field. For example, MH v SENDIST & Hounslow established the bias towards putting disabled children into mainstream schooling if that is the parents' wish.

Douglas Silas is a much-praised specialist who is "a first class choice for cases with a public law or disability slant.""

In the 2006/07 edition Chambers noted that:

In its 2007/08 edition, Chambers stated that:

"Now celebrating its second anniversary, this niche education practice’s reputation and success continue to grow. It focuses on education, disability and public law, particularly cases involving SEN appeals and DDA claims to SENDIST, High Court appeals against SENDIST decisions and judicial review of public bodies. Over the past year the team has won 90% of its cases involving SENDIST appeals against statements of SEN. A case highlight was that of Essex CC v SENDIST & S, in which the team represented S, the mother of a child with special needs, in resisting a High Court appeal challenge by Essex against the decision of a SENDIST appeal. This established the importance of parental preference and gave guidance on the meaning of the phrase ‘inefficient use of resources’.

Founding partner Douglas Silas is a man who "really earns his success," according to peers. "He know the law inside-out" and "cares deeply for his clients."

In the 2008/09 edition, naming Douglas as joint number one Education solicitor in the UK, Chambers stated that:

"This small, specialist team focuses on education, disability and public law, especially cases involving Special Education Needs & Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) claims and appeals. The firm dropped out of doing legally aided work in April 2007 but continues to receive a high number of new instructions from private clients.

Linchpin of the practice Douglas Silas is “a tenacious yet sensible lawyer.” Clients value his empathetic nature and “ethical and practical advice,” noting: “He’s hugely personable and often tells us how to do the work ourselves, which we really appreciate.” "

In the 2010 edition, again naming Douglas as joint number one Education solicitor in the UK, Chambers stated that:

"Over the course of the past year, this compact outfit has made a conscious decision to focus on cases involving SEN. Its workload is consequently dominated by the representation of children with SEN seeking placements within specialist schools or the specialist units of mainstream schools. It has also assisted parents in negotiating settlements with local authorities and is renowned for its capabilities in Special Educational Needs & Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) appeals. 

Douglas Silas possesses an "astounding knowledge of the law," report sources. Other interviewees added: "He removes all the anxiety from stressful situations by taking control in a calm and reasonable manner." "

In the 2011 edition, once more naming Douglas as joint number one Education solicitor in the UK, Chambers have stated that:

"This niche outfit specialises exclusively in education and disability law and is dedicated to representing children with SEN. The team is highly experienced in negotiating settlements with local authorities, and handling appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs & Disability). Market sources are keen to champion the firm for its website, which provides free information, guidance and resources for parents of children with special educational needs.

Douglas Silas established the firm in 2005 and has extensive experience as an educational law specialist. One source said: "He handles cases with integrity, empathy and a desire to do what is right for the client.""

In 2012 Chambers stated:

"This team wins high praise for its education and disability practice; market sources agree that it is "making waves" in the sector with its "ability to surgically cut through the overwhelming mass of information and get down to the salient elements." It is particularly noted for its expert handling of appeals before the SENDIST and its work negotiating settlements with local authorities. Clients praise the "tight and helpful unit of staff" as well as highlighting the firm's informative website on special educational needs as a hugely useful resource.

THE LEGAL 500

Douglas has also been named an expert in Education in The Legal 500. In the first few years it referred to him as a:

"strong individual" and "a good litigator, who knows the education field" ... "Silas is building a creditable claimant-based practice, focused on special educational needs, admissions, and exclusions".

The 2005 edition noted that:

"Douglas Silas Solicitors was established in mid-2005 by Douglas Silas, formerly of Alexander Harris. He handles all aspects of education law, especially special educational needs and disability rights. In its first four months of practice, the firm succeeded in nine out of ten cases, including a High Court Appeal."

The 2006 edition noted that:

To find out more about What People Say, please click on an appropriate link below:

• What Our Clients Say
• What The Public Say

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